Injuries & Moves: Walker takes another step toward return
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April 14: RHP Orion Kerkering activated from IL; Nick Nelson optioned to Triple-A
Kerkering rejoined the bullpen for Sunday's series finale against the Pirates after missing the first few weeks of the season. He was sidelined early in Spring Training due to an illness that slowed his build-up process for the regular season. The 23-year-old righty racked up 10 strikeouts over 4 1/3 scoreless innings in four rehab appearances between Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Manager Rob Thomson said he will try to ease Kerkering back into the bullpen rotation and likely stay away from using him on consecutive days initially, though Kerkering is ultimately expected to play a big role in the 'pen this season.
Nelson, who was optioned to clear a roster spot for Kerkering, allowed two runs off six hits while striking out five over 3 1/3 innings in three relief appearances.
10-DAY/15-DAY IL
RHP Luis F. Ortiz (sprained left ankle)
Expected return: TBD
Ortiz is scheduled to throw live BP on April 16 in Clearwater, Fla. He sprained his ankle leaping for a high chopper in his March 30 appearance. (Last updated: April 15)
RHP Dylan Covey (right shoulder strain)
Expected return: TBD
Covey is playing long toss. He has not thrown off a mound since his final Grapefruit League appearance on March 1. (Last updated: April 15)
RHP Michael Rucker (right hand arterial vasospasm)
Expected return: TBD
Rucker is starting to play catch as the numbness in his right middle finger has decreased. He last pitched on March 1. (Last updated: April 15)
RHP Taijuan Walker (right shoulder impingement)
Expected return: Early May
Walker allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings in a rehab start on April 16 with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He allowed three hits, three walks and struck out one. Walker’s four-seam fastball averaged 91.1 mph. It touched 92.1 mph.
On April 11, he started with Single-A Clearwater for his first rehab start. In that game, Walker’s four-seamer averaged 91.0 mph and touched 91.9 mph.
Walker threw 78 pitches with the IronPigs. He got two swings and misses.
The Phillies want Walker to reach at least 100 pitches before he rejoins the rotation. (Last updated: April 16)
C Rafael Marchán (lower back pain)
Expected return: TBD
Marchán has been sidelined since February because of a back injury. (Last updated: March 29)